Spring structure for a thermionic converter emitter support arrangement
A support is provided for use in a thermionic converter to support an end of an emitter to keep it out of contact with a surrounding collector while allowing the emitter end to move axially as its temperature changes. The emitter end is supported by a spring structure that includes a pair of Belleville springs, and the spring structure is supported by a support structure fixed to the housing that includes the collector. The support structure is in the form of a sandwich with a small metal spring-engaging element at the front end, a larger metal main support at the rear end that is attached to the housing, and with a ceramic layer between them that is bonded by hot isostatic pressing to the metal element and metal main support. The spring structure can include a loose wafer captured between the Belleville springs. 7 figs.
- Research Organization:
- GA Technologies Inc
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-86SF16298
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5096167; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-533555
- OSTI ID:
- 7207676
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 5 Jun 1990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Thermionic converter emitter support arrangement
Thermionic converter emitter support arrangement